To think I hesitated.

From the moment my plane landed safely into McCarran International airport my travel to this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) turned from a dreaded "Necessary Evil" into an absolute delight . No, I wasn't wearing my 3-D glasses longer than recommended. In fact, I so thoroughly enjoyed this year's CES (much more than the previous ones held at the Venetian), that I am looking forward to my return next year.

Nothing changed in 'Vegas.

The lack of proper signage in the Venetian hadn't improved one iota. An estimated 100,000 CES attendees showed up once again (and this didn't include the thousands who attend the annual XXX Adult Video Awards which coincidentally takes place in the exact same venue). Those super long waits on those super long lines didn't get any shorter. The usual mass of gamblers and high rollers - who show up in 'Vegas for anything else besides the nerdy hi-end show - appeared all accounted for. Of course, with all the scantily dressed nominees walking about the hotel hoping to win the "Best Undressed Award for 2010" obviously made the Venetian the WORST possible place to host a high-end show.

With the incredibly rapid success and growth of both Europe's High-End show, held in Munich each May and Denver's Rocky Mountain Audio Fest every fall - not to mention - their sole focus on mainly two-channel audio, made the CES 2011 a most unattractive proposition. So much in fact, this was going to be the first time since 1998, in which I planned to skip the CES. They say nearly 100,000 people converge on Las Vegas each year for the annual CES.  Ultimately, it starts to look double that amount when you're trying to do something as simple as board an elevator or catch a cab.

What then happened to your roving reporter?

For some strange reason, this year the crowds, long taxi lines, ultra-bright neon lights and late-night noise didn't bother me in the least. I've finally come to expect as well as accept Sin City for all that it is (whether good or bad). No, it's not as easy to navigate through CES as it is Munich's High End or Denver's RMAF. Nor is it as comfortable. BUT, whether I want to admit or not: the annual CES remains arguably, the single most important high-end audio event on earth pertaining to two-channel audio. CES provides that same "Necessary Evil" that makes each and every self-respecting businessman, owner, designer, manufacturer, retailer, dealer and distributor - from all over the globe - converge each January. 

Maybe it was the surprisingly good sounds that came from manufacturers I hardly knew due to previous time constraints? Maybe it was all the smiles and handshakes I received from so many industry folks and just plain music lovers who seemed much more upbeat and optimistic despite our current (dismal) economic state? Maybe it was the snow storm that blanketed the east coast with 26" weeks before, making Lost Wages, Nevada look like a very warm and welcome cozy alternative. Perhaps it was my arrival a full day before the official start of CES this time around, rather than arriving on the day of - where I would always hit the ground running straight from the airport.

Navigating in and around the Venetian proved to be much easier this time around once becoming familiar with this huge casino's exits and entrances. Walking the 'Vegas strip always has something to keep you interested. I literally spotted Elvis leaving the building (above photo). Getting back and forth from the Venetian to T.H.E Show - the other high-end venue - and held at the Flamingo hotel and casino (where I also stayed) was nothing more than a 10-minute walk up the 'Vegas strip.